These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord! (Is 2:1-5)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/113025.cfm
Swords into plowshares, spears into pruning hooks. Is it just a bit of prophetic nonsense on the part of Isaiah? Or is it possible that human beings can work together for the justice that brings lasting peace? Obviously, peace is hard work, harder than singing Kumbaya. Beating swords into plowshares and spear into pruning hooks requires strength and commitment. “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!” https://youtu.be/kp-880Tj2E4?si=3TeVSD-_xXI-dlDO
Jesus said to his disciples: " Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." (Lk 21:34-36)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112925.cfm
To stand before the Son of Man is not a dreadful threat, rather it is an awesome invitation to consider the Lord’s mercy in all our actions. As we prepare to enter Advent, a special time of vigilance and prayer, let us look for his coming with joyful anticipation as the Virgin Mary did. https://youtu.be/P6jlSMwA-CY?si=ekDbXJOxvx5eza6x
As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed. (Dan 7:2-14)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112825.cfm
The question facing modern day faith is what type of kingship and dominion are we talking about. There are some folks who really want an earthly kingdom and the ability to destroy all their enemies, real or imagined. Perhaps the vision of Christ the King whose throne is a Cross and whose dominion embraces every person with love, might not be exactly what they bargained for.
Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 145)
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom and speak of your might.
R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112725-Thanksgiving.cfm
I give thanks to God this Thanksgiving Day for my family of origin, for my Colombian family, for all of you my friends and for the opportunity to continue to serve the People of God. https://youtu.be/Q7cli3xy-tQ?si=ccrQ2KztCR7hzOI2
This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, TEKEL, and PERES. These words mean: MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it; TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians. (Dan 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112625.cfm
Prophets speak truth to power. Daniel is not afraid to tell the mighty king: your days are numbered, you’ve been weighed and found wanting, your kingdom will go to your enemies. Who are the prophets who will speak truth to power today? https://youtu.be/VwcKwGS7OSQ?si=GyK9yifQWcRSKZ6r
